Our History

Citizens Against Domestic Violence/Victim Outreach Center (CADV/VOC) is a grassroots organization that was started in 1985 by a group of concerned citizens. CADV/VOC received non-profit status in 1985 and became a member of the Missouri Coalition Against Domestic Violence, now Missouri Coalition Against Domestic and Sexual Violence. CADV/VOC operated a 24-hour crisis line and referral services on a volunteer basis until the late 1980’s when a grant was received through Victims of Crime Act funds. These funds provided the ability for the organization to hire a director of services and to increase services to include: safe homes, court advocacy, support groups, and assistance with emergency items. In 1994, CADV/VOC purchased a permanent shelter facility with a total bedspace capacity of 22 beds. CADV/VOC began demolition of the outdated facility in July 2012 and a new 28 bed shelter was constructed and opened in February 2013. CADV/VOC also hired a Volunteer Coordinator in 1994 to recruit volunteers and maintain and active volunteer corps. Throughout the years, CADV/VOC has grown into an invaluable asset to the Lake of the Ozarks community. CADV/VOC primarily serves Camden, Miller, and Morgan Counties, with secondary services being offered in outlying counties. CADV/VOC has established working relationships, with Law Enforcement, Prosecutorial Services, the local hospital, social service agencies, schools, and churches in all three counties.

CADV/VOC has been providing services to victims of domestic and sexual violence for over 20 years. During this time, CADV/VOC has assisted thousands of victims and their children through our shelter and outreach services. In 2014, CADV/VOC provided first time services to 311 women,8 men and 134 child victims of domestic and/or sexual violence, answered 425 hotlines, and provided 3,359 bednights of safe shelter. CADV/VOC strives to provide quality services to the victims we serve. We utilize tools devised by the Missouri Coalition Against Domestic and Sexual Violence for evaluation of our services including an Exit Interview and Participant Satisfaction Survey. These tools have indicated that over 90% of the victims we serve who complete the survey are satisfied with our services and would recommend them to a friend in a similar situation.

Throughout its history, CADV/VOC has become a cornerstone of victim services in our community. CADV/VOC has been able to sustain the same level of quality services through many years, and has taken measures to ensure that we will continue to do so. CADV/VOC has an active Board of Directors that oversees the operation of the facility. All members are volunteers and are active in the community. Many of the Board members have also dealt with issues of family violence in their everyday lives, for example we have two Chiefs of Police as members.

CADV/VOC has an Executive Director, Legal Programs Coordinator, Outreach Supervisor, Case Manager, Full time Counselor and five Residential Advocates (1-full time and 4-part time). Our staff has a combined 60 plus years of experience.

Our Numbers

Over the last 20+ years, CADV/VOC has assisted thousands of victims and their children through our shelter and outreach services. In 2014, CADV/VOC provided first time services to 311 women,8 men and 134 child victims of domestic and/or sexual violence, answered 425 hotlines, and provided 3,359 bednights of safe shelter.